By Honorary Reporter Evgeniia Shakirova from Russia
Photos = Evgeniia Shakirova

The Korean Wave Festival on May 15 was held at MTC Live Hall of the large-scale food mall and market Vokzal 1853 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Celebrating the launch of the "K-initiative," which promotes Korea's diverse appeal by connecting culture, economy and education, the event was organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Moscow, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and King Sejong Institute branch in St. Petersburg.

Booths at K-Market zone

Among the zones K-beauty, K-film, K-market, K-pop and K-food, K-market was the first to welcome visitors with its booths featuring cosmetics from leading Korean brands as well as a range of K-pop merchandise.

Calligraphy section

As a volunteer at the festival, I represented the St. Petersburg branch of King Sejong Institute. Volunteers were divided into teams each responsible for a zone, and I was assigned to that for calligraphy. Given my interest in minhwa (folk painting), I was so glad to work in this area.

I also got to work with Korean calligrapher Han Chang Hwan. In the second part of our zone, visitors could get their names written in Hangeul in beautiful calligraphy by the master. Even with my intermediate Korean, I could occasionally be an interpreter and chat with the artist during breaks.

Gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) making session 

Other zones offered a variety of activities such as the traditional games tuho (pitch pot) and ddakjichigi (flipping paper tiles), and another section allowed visitors to try on Hanbok (traditional clothing) and take photos against themed backgrounds.

At the center of the venue was a workshop zone, where gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) making sessions were held. Between sessions, an ensemble performed samulnori (traditional farmers' music), and two makeup workshops highlighted leading Korean skincare and cosmetic brands.

The evening began with a K-pop cover dance competition complete with lively performances and a supportive audience. Whenever a familiar song played, anyone who knew the choreography could get on stage and dance together.

Calligrapher Han Chang Hwan (fifth from left) and participants in Hanbok fashion show 

The evening concluded with a Hanbok fashion show, in which I took part. Though I've studied Korean culture and language for seven years, this was my first time wearing Hanbok.

We dressed in our outfits and got elegant hairstyles with traditional accessories. Every time a participant stopped at the center of the hall and posed, the space filled with applause and warmth.

ljyhwa@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.